At least one dead in Japan as heavy rain triggers landslide alerts

At least one person has died in Japan as heavy rain swept across the archipelago and authorities issued their highest warning for possible landslides in two communities near Tokyo.

A woman in her 60s became trapped inside a vehicle in a flooded underpass in Iwaki, Fukushima prefecture. She was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on Monday, public broadcaster NHK reported.

The Japan Meteorological Agency raised its landslide alert to level five, the highest level, for Niijima and Oshima, islands south of Tokyo. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged residents to follow local authorities’ instructions and immediately protect themselves, warning that the danger to life was imminent.

Authorities also issued torrential-rain alerts for several cities in Chiba, Ibaraki and Fukushima prefectures. The rain began over the weekend and resulted from the combination of an autumn front and the effects of Tropical Cyclone Krovanh, which was located near Japan’s southern islands.

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Since the danger to life is imminent, follow the instructions of local authorities and immediately ensure your personal safety.